"Our orders are simple enough. 'Re-deploy troops along Arabian front.' Obviously the high brass suspects an attack from that direction."
"'Suspects'? It couldn't be any more obvious. Arabian troops are crawling all over our territory. Walk through any military camp within twenty miles from here and you'll see far more of them than our own military! If I were in charge we'd declare war on them as soon as we were in position. Once we pull in the troops from Sidonian territory we'll be primed for an attack. Our boys are ready for this. They're getting tired of sitting around on their rear ends. As am I."
"Trust me, Commander Daulah, I understand what you are saying. Considering our past military campaigns the governments hesitation surprises me as much as you. But we cannot go against our orders; that leads to chaos. If we--"
The commander leaned in and lowered his voice. "Give me two infantry divisions, an artillery, and a week and I will bring you the keys to the Arabian capital. Then we can return to Delhi victorious heros."
"And if you fail?"
"That word is not in my vocabulary, General Singh."
The general sighed. "I appreciate your enthusiasm. However, our scouts report that the Arabian army infesting our borderlands is not an offensive maneuver. They are at war with Russia. There is--"
"We defeated Russia."
"There is still a small outpost to our south. There is some sort of blood-feud going on between the two nations and al-Rashid supposedly seeks to remove all traces of Russian civilization."
A soldier burst into the tent, breathless. "News from Delhi, sir! The English have declared war!"
"You see, Commander Daulah?" Singh asked, gravely. "Our most direct threat does not come from the Arabian prince." He turned to the soldier. "Order a mobilization of the troops. We must defend our western coast. I want artilleries in every coastal city. And where is our naval officer, Tope?"
"But General, we cannot leave our Arabian border exposed. Who knows what they might try if we give them they opportunity?"
"You're right, we--"
Another soldier ran up. "General Singh, sir! I bear news from Moscow. The Russians have joined with the English in a war against us. Enemy troops are crossing the water into Moscow Harbour."
An oath was heard in the tent. "All troops must be on high alert and ready to move at a moments notice. Notify Delhi; they will give training orders to barracks and training grounds around the nation. Now, call in all officers. We must react quickly and wisely."
Later:
After the officers had departed to their respective divisions and troops, Tope stayed with Daulah and Singh.
"We have several vessels near English waters. However, the English are well know for their sea-faring prowess, and our ships are outdated and antiquated."
"They will have to do. I want your best ships to patrol our western shore, ready to open fire on any English vessel within range. Also, we must update our weaponry as soon as possible."
"And the rest of our boats?"
"Keep them scouting around the English ports. Order them to avoid conflict with the English armada but to engage any transports." Singh turned to a soldier standing at the entrance to the tent. "You. Dispatch a message to Delhi. Tell them that we need resources to go towards our navy. If they can't land on our shores they can't take our land."
"General Singh, sir, if I may?" asked Daulah.
"Yes?"
"Is that really wise? We have a strong artillery. Would it not be better to hide our military strength until they are within range of our battery?"
"Yes but there is too much risk. All harbour towns will be fortified with artillery with orders to destroy any English vessels, especially transports. Their army is defenseless in the water. We
must exploit that."
Later:
"English transport to starboard, cap'n!"
"You know our orders. Open fire!"
and...
"Lhasan scouts report enemy activity in the vicinity, sir."
"We have our instructions. You know what to do."
also...
"English warship straight ahead, cap'n!"
"We cannot draw within range yet. Hard a'port! We will wait for them to approach and then take the first shot."
and...
"Ship o' the Line to starboard, sir!"
"Hoist the sails! We cannot hope to take her. We must avoid engagement at all cost!"
[/narrative]
Turn 1: Pata CM -> Infantry
Turn 2: Mumbai Windmill -> Destroyer
Turn 3: SP Free Speech
Turn 4: Vijay Public School -> Factory
Turn 6: Pata Infantry -> Theatre.
Turns 7-12 coming later this evening. Probably not in narrative. But I had fun with this.
Scholarship applications, driving lessons/test, and school all through summer. Fun. And time consuming.
